PAU, France – Lance Armstrong came so close Tuesday to a Tour de France stage win that he’s been yearning for in his final appearance, and one could still come with four racing days remaining.
The seven-time Tour champion ruled himself out of contention for the overall title 10 days ago after struggling in the first Alpine challenge, and he’s looking forward to retirement when the race ends in Paris on Sunday.But Armstrong’s coach says he could yet have one more podium climb.’It’s not yet finished,’ said Johan Bruyneel, manager of the RadioShack team and the man who coached Armstrong to all his victories from 1999 to 2005.’There’s a single (mountain) stage left on Thursday … we’re going try again,’ said Bruyneel, who also has coached the winner of nine of the past 11 Tours, including Alberto Contador in 2007 and 2009.Heading into the final rest day on Wednesday, Armstrong finished a respectable sixth in Stage 16 on Tuesday by keeping up with and at times leading a breakaway bunch that got out early in the 199,5-kilometre trek up four nasty Pyreneen peaks. The stage, which had a 64-kilometre ride down from the Aspin pass, wasn’t suited for a possible Armstrong win as long as he was surrounded by other, and mostly younger, riders.After a plodding day of climbs, his 38-year-old legs weren’t able to battle the final bunch sprint – won by France’s Pierrick Fedrigo.’It was full gas all day,’ said Armstrong. ‘It’s been awhile since I sprinted … Just not quick enough. I’m not the best guy in the race but I still have the spirit of a fighter.’The main race contenders, including overall leader Contador of Spain, and his closest rival, Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, trailed deep in the main pack that crossed nearly 7 minutes after Armstrong’s breakaway band. Armstrong moved from 31st place overall to 25th, 33:46 behind Contador. – Nampa-AP
